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Priceless when abroad
I can’t live… if living is without you… As we are currently in Japan, we have been reminiscing a lot about the years we have spent in this country. We have both lived away from home for many years – as have many of our readers – and we thought it was time that we shared some tips on the stuff we have needed during those sometimes tough times. Here is a list for those of you planning on doing the same that we came up with. 1) Skype Probably the best invention ever made to keep in touch with friends and family all over the world. You can even…
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Ramen Noodles in Berlin
Yummy Yummy Yummy, I got Love in my Tummy… So, staying on the Japanese theme today, I will tell you about one of my favourite meals. In England, when you have been out partying hard, nothing beats a kebab and a strawberry milkshake. In Japan, Ramen is what you need. A noodle soup that will warm the cockles of your heart. Such a greasy and filling meal, it basically guarantees you not to be hungover the next day. A miracle food. I have to even admit that once I had two bowls. Different areas in Japan have different specialities when it comes to Ramen. My favourite are the Tonkotsu Ramen…
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Friday Links
Some kind of wonderful… An interesting read about the evolution of online learning. I am doing an online photography course and enjoying it and there are so many courses out there, it’s great to read about someone who is learning from them too.
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How my grandparents met
It was love at first sight… I love the story about how my grandparents met. I think my family is full of very special and unique stories and because we are in Japan right now, I thought you might all enjoy a Japan-related post. As I told you a few days ago, my grandfather was a Japanese Prisoner of War during WWII. He didn’t really tell anyone about his experiences, but we did know they weren’t good. He went from Changi Prison to help build the Bridge over the River Kwai. Most people went here to die and were tortured along the way. My grandfather Albert tried to learn the local…
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Why Japan?
I am turning Japanese… Everyone always asks me “Why Japan”? And it seems only fair to tell you all as well, especially as we are there right now… My grandfather Albert was a Japanese Prisoner of War (PoW) during World War Two. He was captured in the Far East and ended up at Changi Prison in Singapore. He was then transported by cattle trucks for several days by rail to Thailand to build the famous railway to Burma. He volunteered to learn the local languages, dabbling into Malay, Thai, Cantonese and Japanese and was used by his officers as a translator. After his return to England, he studied Mandarin at the…
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Friday Links
I want to fly away… So, it’s going to be a Japanese themed Friday Linkies today, because we are off to Japan! OMG – could not be more excited!! One of our loveliest friends got married a while back. She lived in Japan for many years and went to the same university as I did. She got married last month and another friend of ours wrote about the little Japanese touches that were found at her wedding – lovely ideas! If you are in London, for the whole of July you can eat at this pop-up Japanese restaurant – YES!!! Amazing news! The BBC in Japanese! A great way for…
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Weltmeister!!
We are the champions… Yey – I have to say we got swept up in the World Cup fever last night. It’s hard not to… Jason’s parents arrived during the first half… tense moments in the airport. It was hilarious as usually there is a huge push and shove to get to the gates to wait excitedly for your loved ones. But last night, no one was even looking in that direction – all eyes were on the match. We grabbed our guests and rushed into the centre of town to a bar. Even the train tickers were telling us it was still 0-0. We rushed… It was weird. Normally,…
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Germany in the World Cup Final
Deutschland über alles… Well, today is the big day. Germany is in the World Cup Final. I have to say that the general games have been very irritating for me. So to watch Brazil get thrashed felt wonderful. The South American teams “football” attempts have been full of “falls”, “stumbles” and “injuries”. Their exit of the World Cup showed that actually playing as a team and by the rules is the way to victory and it made me want to support Germany. I know, I know, I never thought I’d say it. I feel like my British passport will be revoked or I won’t be let back in at customs, but…
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Friday Links
Connect the dots… I had no idea that in Germany, before a wedding they do hen and stag parties too! Read more about wedding traditions in this post. Okay, so no shampoo ever again? Sounds crazy, but I read this and I think I am going to give it a try once we get back from Japan… maybe… join me? Buzzfeed is kinda taking over the internet, but this just has to be shared with you all. If you are still unsure whether to move to Berlin, here are 22 reasons you need to pack up and join us! And lastly, our friend and colleague Frank (from www.wao-services.com) is crowd-funding…
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The Bird for Burgers
I wish you could smell what I’m smelling… It has been three days since we went to The Bird. I’m still full. This tells you a lot. It’s very exciting in fact. Let me tell you more, much much more. No, actually, let me just show you the photos first: I know, right? Omg, can you see the BBQ sauce oozing? To understand the taste you need to watch this video: Oh My Dayum! I’m dribbling all over again… The place is always packed. It’s known as the best burger place in Berlin and I can’t (yet) contest this. It can take many hours of trying to get through to the restaurant…